Portable shaving kit

ABSTRACT

A compact shaving kit is provided that comprises a slim crush-proof, latched, watertight clamshell case, constructed from tempered aluminum or other lightweight, high tensile strength material. The case contains retention means for shaving soap or cream, shaving brush, one or more safety razors, and a storage means for accessory items such as extra razor blades, after-shave balm or cologne. The case also includes a portable mechanical retention means for the shaving brush, for after-use storage in an upright, inverted position. The case may also contain a mirror. The case is dimensioned for insertion into a travel bag, toiletry bag or suitcase.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention is a continuation in part of U.S. Ser. No.10/222,231, filed on Aug. 15, 2002, which claimed the priority benefitof Provisional Patent No. 60/325,438.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to portable shaving kits, andmore particularly, to a compact kit which encloses a quantity of shavingcream or soap, a shaving brush, one or more safety razors, andaccessories, in a crush-proof, clamshell case.

2. Description of the Related Art

Numerous attempts have been made to develop shaving kits in the priorart. Most of these appeared to focus on a type of combination shavingfoam dispenser and safety razor combination, or disposable orcylindrical design, or a kit so small as to fit into a pocket orextremely small compartment. A search of the prior art did not discloseany patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention;but the following references were considered related.

The following patents disclose the design and function of a shaving orrazor kit:

-   -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,928 issued in the name of Orosy, et al.;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,543 issued in the name of Martinez, et al.;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 4,144,967 issued in the name of Craven, et al.;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 3,315,796 issued in the name of Dreyfuss;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 3,206,012 issued in the name of Braginetz;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 3,141,486 issued in the name of Bosca, et al.;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 2,984,380 issued in the name of Kuhnl, et al.;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 2,958,329 issued in the name of Almgren;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 2,948,388 issued in the name of Metzler, et al.;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 2,822,916 issued in the name of Wark, et al.;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 2,735,542 issued in the name of Schnitzler;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 2,167,926 issued in the name of Glasker;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 2,038,319 issued in the name of Stanley;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 1,932,603 issued in the name of Richardson;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 1,887,123 issued in the name of Flintermann;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 1,867,347 issued in the name of Blair;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 1,552,918 issued in the name of Gaisman;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 1,164,979 issued in the name of Benko; and    -   U.S. Pat. No. 965,787 issued in the name of Woods.

With reference to the current state of art, particular reference is madeto U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,543, issued on May 28, 1991 and U.S. Pat. No.1,887,123, issued on Jun. 15, 1931. U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,543 claimed thatits portable shaving kit provided utility to military and other users byits compactness, disposability, and provision of the ability to shaveanywhere or at anytime. This particular shaving kit would be importantto particular users who may value those attributes. However, mostbusiness and military users would only encounter situations when theywould actually need such a kit extremely infrequently. In particular,people who must shave when absent from their home often desire theopposite of what the referenced kit provides—i.e. to use equipment andprocesses similar to those they use at home, not a radical departurethere from. These users do not necessarily care about how small theshaving kit is, as it as long as it fits within a larger toiletry kit.In fact, many prefer equipment of normal dimension and design, insteadof radically different, complex or inconvenient equipment.

With respect to U.S. Pat. No. 1,887,123, this case had as its object anextremely compact case for traveling, which included a shaving brush,cream, razors and blades. However this kit contained sub-compartmentsfor each item, requiring the user to pivot the sub-containers laterallyto access the contents, and using the upper housing of the container tosecure the contents in the lower housing from movement, securingaccessories in drawers, and with the kit directed to now-obsolete typesof safety razors. However, the kit was so compact and compartmentalizedthat the convenience of using the case was significantly reduced.

The present invention enables a particular group of users—those whoprefer to use a common sized and shaped safety razor, natural badger,boar or other type of bristle shaving brush, shaving cream or soap—tosafely and hygienically use this equipment, in its standard form andsize, safely and hygienically when traveling away from home. Whentraveling, these shaving items are difficult to store in common shavingkits and toiletry bags. Shaving soap is often maintained in an opencylindrical container or cup, and not sized or shaped for inclusion in atypical toiletry kit. Shaving brushes are often constructed from thehair of a badger, or other natural sources, and needs protection fromdamage, contamination, or decay. Men who travel frequently, militarypersonnel, businessmen, outdoorsmen, and others who spend time away fromhome, who shave with a high quality brush and safety razor, must oftentherefore compromise their normal shaving experience when away fromhome. Typically they may leave their shaving brush at home, orpurchasing disposable razors and cans of shave foam, or an electricrazor. Additionally, many items required for shaving are oftenforgotten, such as extra blades, or other supplies. When packing safetyrazors in existing toiletry bags, there is risk of cuts due to exposedblades when reaching inside the bags, and risk of damage andcontamination to blades and brush during transit from caused bymaterials inside the toiletry kit. Shaving brushes, when packed, aresometimes wet, typically unwieldy, and susceptible to damage or decay,which makes them difficult pack without an intermediate container.Existing toiletry bags do not allow for protection of safety razors orbrushes, and typically not proportioned or equipped to secure largercircumference open canisters of shaving soap. While disposable razorsare often sold with a plastic blade protector, they come off duringtravel, and non-disposable razors usually do not have such blade guards,which would nevertheless be cumbersome to use. Finally, box-kits on themarket today are typically constructed from cardboard backing, withplastic, faux leather or leather covering, and tend to degrade over timewith exposure to moisture and continued use. The present inventionalleviates the aforementioned problems, by providing a sanitary,breathable, protected environment for fixed storage of common-sizedmodern safety razor, shaving cream, high quality natural brush, and allnecessary after-shave articles during travel. The invention increasesconvenience by enabling a pre-packed shaving kit that reduces the chanceof forgotten items by its individualized holders for each necessaryitem, reduces the chance of injury, contamination or damage with itsprotective, watertight housing, and also enables the shaving soap andbrush user to experience their normal shaving experience, and usecommonly sized and shaped equipment while away from home. This shavingkit also increases sanitation as it provides a hermetic sealing andspatial separation of blades, shaving brush and other objects. Theshaving kit is constructed from an aluminum exterior, guaranteeing alifetime of use. This shaving kit has been optimized for space—given theconstraints of equipment size and convenience, and can fit in commontoiletry bags, therefore avoiding the radical modifications to commonshaving gear as found in previous art. This kit therefore enables thetraveling users to experience the same high quality and sanitary shavingprocess found at home, without risk of injury, damage or contaminationto shaving brush or safety razors, with a minimum of steps required toremove or replace the contents. Although carrying cases in general areknown in the art, the present case is specifically adapted for itsparticular purpose by a unique size and shape, retention fixtures,compartmentalized storage areas, and shaving brush holder.

Consequently, a need has been felt there exists a need for a means bywhich a traveler can securely transport shaving items and accessories.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide animproved compact portable shaving kit for the traveler who prefers touse a standard sized and shaped safety razor, high quality badger, boar,or other natural or otherwise easily damaged bristle shaving brush, andnon-pressurized shaving cream or soap.

It is a feature of the present invention to provide an improved portableshaving kit that includes a crush-proof (up to 200 pounds), push-buttonlatch, clamshell case, with fixed retention means for safety razors,shaving cream or soap, shaving brush, and accessories.

Another feature of the shaving kit is to provide a means to effectivelysecure the shaving brush in an inverted position after use, beforerepacking.

Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention,a shaving kit is provided that comprises a crush-proof, latched,watertight clamshell case, constructed from tempered aluminum or otherlightweight, high tensile strength material. The case contains retentionmeans for shaving soap or cream, shaving brush, one or more safetyrazors, and a storage means for accessory items such as extra razorblades, after-shave balm or cologne. The case also includes a portable,expandable holder for the shaving brush, for after-use storage in anupright, inverted position, and a mirror. The case is dimensioned forinsertion into a travel bag, computer bag, or suitcase. To use theinvention, the traveler opens the case locking fixture and removes thesafety razors, shaving brush and shaving cream or soap from theirsecured positions, and uses as normal. After shaving, the user may storethe shaving brush in an upright, inverted position by inserting thebrush into a retractable holder, provided with the case. After use theuser simply repackages the contents of the case, securing them in theirrespective retainers. Finally, the clamshell case is closed, and thepressure clasps engaged, forcing a watertight seal around the contents.The contents are then stored in a compact waterproof, crushproof, damageand contamination free environment for next use.

The use of the present invention allows the convenience of always havinga complete shaving kit when traveling.

The use of the present invention allows the convenience of usingsimilarly sized and shaped shaving gear, including high quality shavingbrush, during travel as during home use without risk of injury or damageto equipment.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it can be housedinside of conventionally shaped and sized luggage and toiletry cases.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the shaving brushcan be stored in an upright, inverted position after use.

Still another object of the present invention is that case iswaterproof, crush-proof, and leak-proof.

Still another object of the present invention is that the shaving gearis secured to prevent movement or damage during travel.

Still another object of the present invention is that the case housesall shaving gear in one easily accessed location during travel.

Still another object of the present invention is that is contains asealed breather hole that can allow the escape of moisture and hot air,while preventing exit or entrance of liquefied matter.

Still another object of the invention is that the layout of storagelocations has been designed to optimize balance, by fixating the heaviercontainer of shaving cream or soap in the center.

Still another object of the invention is that the retention devices forsafety razors and shaving brush are expandable, to accommodate a varietyof different sized items.

Generally, the present invention protects shaving gear during transport,aids in packing, enabling the user to store shaving gear in one place inindividualized retainers, in a protective container specifically adaptedfor their storage and protection. The use of a curved, rigid caseprevents damage to the outer luggage that could result from protrudingcorners. The relatively flat design also helps the case fit inside softtoiletry bags.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become betterunderstood with reference to the following more detailed description andclaims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in whichlike elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of shaving kit with protective caseaccording to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1 b is a top plan view of the lower case bottom of the protectivecase;

FIG. 1 c shows a front elevational view of the closed case, showing adraw-bolt closure means;

FIG. 1 d shows a side elevational view thereof shown in an opencondition;

FIG. 1 e is a side elevational cross sectional view taken along line I-Iof FIG. 1 b;

FIG. 2 a is a top plan view thereof shown housing a shaving brush,shaving cream, safety razors, expandable brush holder, and accessoriespouch;

FIG. 2 b is a top plan view thereof shown without the shaving kitcontents;

FIG. 3 a is a side perspective view of the expandable shaving brushholder;

FIG. 3 b is a top plan view of an expanded shaving brush holder;

FIG. 3 c is a top plan view of a shaving brush holder collapsed forstorage;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the rigid container for shavingcream;

FIG. 5 a is a front elevational view removable aftershave container 50for use with the present invention;

FIG. 5 b is a side elevational view of the aftershave container 50 ofFIG. 5 a;

FIG. 6 a is a front elevational veiw of a removable cologne container 60for use with the present invention;

FIG. 6 b is a side elevational view of the cologne container 60 of FIG.6 a;

FIG. 7 a is a top plan view of the lower case bottom of the protectivecase according to an alternate configuration, replacing that of FIG. 1 babove;

FIG. 7 b is a side elevational cross sectional view taken along lineVII-VII of FIG. 7 a;

FIG. 8 a is a top plan view of a toiletry case customized for use withthe shaving kit;

FIG. 8 b is a rear elevational view thereof;

FIG. 9 is a side plan view of another type of toiletry case customizedfor use with the shaving kit;

FIG. 10 a is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a shavingkit configuration incorporating the features of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 b is a perspective view thereof shown in an open configuration;

FIG. 11 a is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a shaving kitwith a removable tray secured by a rounded interference fit, wherein thetray includes a plurality of recesses for holding and storing shavingitems;

FIG. 11 b is a side view of another alternate embodiment of a shavingkit with a removable tray secured by a triangular interference fit;

FIG. 11 c is a side view of another alternate embodiment of a shavingkit with a removable tray secured by a rectangular interference fit; and

FIG. 11 d is a perspective view of the removable tray and the pluralityof recesses provided for storage of shaving items.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms ofits preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the Figures.

1. Detailed Description of the Figures

Referring now to FIG. 1 a-1 e, a protective case 10 is shown as agenerally rectangular configuration with rounded corners. The protectivecase 10 has a rigid upper case housing 12 hingedly affixed only on oneside to a rigid lower case housing 14. The rigid upper case housing 12is removably secured to the lower case housing 14 by an otherwiseconventional push-button latch 16 commonly found in aluminum type cases.Having a streamlined and thin cross section, the protective case 10 isanticipated being designed for easy storage in a slim type toiletry bag.

Referring now to FIG. 1 b and FIG. 1 e, the protective case 10 is shownfrom a top (FIG. 1 b) and a cross-sectional (FIG. 1 e) view toillustrate a first retaining means 27 a and a second retaining means 27b, wherein the first and second retaining means include a flexibleharness 28, a harness base 29 and a threaded finger 42 housed within therigid lower case housing 14. The flexible harness 28 has a bell-shapedperimeter (best seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 e) formed bya unitary storage strip 28 a fixedly attached at opposite ends to aharness base 29, and with the unattached middle of the storage strip 28a and the harness base 29 forming a harness aperture 28 c. The storagestrip 28 a is fortified by a flexible strip 28 c, which provides theharness 28 with the flexibility necessary to expand or retract forsecurely storing items. The first retaining means 27 a is illustrated asa single harness 28 adapted for receiving and holding a shaving brush22. The second retaining means 27 b is illustrated as a dual harness 28adapted for receiving and holding smaller items, such as safety razors20. Preferably, the storage strip 28 a is manufactured from cloth, nylonor other similar material so as to provide durable flexibility.Preferably, the flexible strip 28 b is manufactured from elastic orother flexible material to provide the added flexibility necessary forstorage use. Preferably, the harness base 29 is manufactured from adurably flexible material, such as leather or other similar materials.

The threaded finger 42 is formed by a vertically elongated cylinderdepending from the internal surface of the rigid lower case housing 14.The threaded finger 42 includes external threads for securely housing astorage container with a matching internally threaded cavity, such asthe container 40 (discussed in detail later in the Description).

Referring now to FIG. 2 a-2 b, the protective case 10 is shown is in anopen condition, thereby depicting the specifically adapted for use instoring or holding contents required for shaving, including one or moresafety razors 20, a leak-proof receptacle for holding shaving soap orcream 40, a high quality natural badger, boar, or other bristled brush22, shaving brush holder 30, accessories pouch 24, a mirror 26 and atoothbrush holder 27. Having a rigid lower housing 14 pivotally affixedto a rigid upper housing 12, the overall outer dimensions of 9 inchesacross the lateral front width by 5 inches along the lateral side lengthprovides an interior volume “V” having a rectangular area specificallysized and proportioned to receive the contents mentioned above.Referring to FIG. 2 a, it can be seen that by providing a protectivecase 10 having a rigid outer wall of the specified dimension limits, thepresent invention incorporates a number of additional features, such asindividual harnesses 28 for a pair of safety razors 20 and a shavingbrush 22, constructed from leather straps, mounted inside an elevatedleather base 29, with expandability through hook-loop fastener device,or plastic, vulcanized rubber, or other semi-rigid, non-scratchretention clips. The case also incorporates a threaded finger 42 in thecenter bottom housing to enable fixed retention of the shaving soapcontainer 40 so as to provide balance and ease of use.

The protective case 10 also contains a removable accessories pouch 24,and inclusion of a panel 25 a housing a retention pouch 25 b for theexpandable shaving brush holder 30 and mirror 26. The accessories pouch24 is customized dimensionally for use with the shaving kit case, as itfits within the internal confines of the rigid upper case housing 12,with a planar surface extending to the limit of the shaving creamcontainer fixed in the rigid lower case housing 14. The accessoriespouch 24 is constructed from flexible, thin, waterproof material such asplastic, nylon, leather, or other material. It is envisioned in thepreferred embodiment to affix the accessories pouch 24 to the planarinner wall of the rigid upper case housing 12 by use of a hook and loopfastener system or clasp. Although the case is shown zippered, with onezipper, as is presently anticipated as the preferred best mode of thepresent invention, it would be apparent to one skilled in the art, aswell as within the scope of the present disclosure as limited only bythe claims, that the case could contain a clasp, multiple zippers, orother closure means instead. The accessories pouch 24 also houses twointermediate containers for after-shave conditioning cream or balm, andcologne.

The protective case 10 also contains a toothbrush holder 18 and includesa linearly elongated two-piece structure, having a first member 18 athreadably coupled to a second member 18 b and forming an internalcavity for housing of a toothbrush 18 c. The toothbrush holder 18 isattached to the internal wall of the rigid upper case housing 12.

As shown in FIG. 2 a the case is shown with contents in securedpositions for travel. It can be seen that the case optimizes space andbalance by the positioning of the contents, and the customization ofintermediate containers and contents to fit within the case. In thepreferred embodiment, the safety razors 20 and shaving brush 22 areprovided with the case, as they must fit within the case dimensionally.Though safety razors and shaving brushes may be of a myriad designs andshapes, it would be apparent to one skilled in the art, as well aswithin the scope of the present disclosure as limited only by theclaims, that the present case can easily be modified dimensionally toaccept smaller, larger, or dimensionally modified safety razor or brush.It should also be apparent to one skilled in the art, as well as withinthe scope of the present disclosure as limited only by the claims thatthe kit could theoretically be offered without the shaving brush orsafety razors, or modified dimensionally to accept separately purchasedsafety razors and shaving brushes.

Referring now to FIG. 3 a and FIG. 3 c, the expandable brush holder 30is seen in its preferred embodiment. The shaving brush 22 is secured inan inverted position, enabling the brush to drain excess water andattain full exposure to the air to speed the drying process and remainhygienically safe. The shaving brush holder 30 consists of three rigidportions 32 a, 32 b, 32 c, connected by, and pivoting around a frictiontype hinge 34, which fixates the three sections in their expanded andcollapsed state, and restricts movement of panels to their parallelconfiguration only. The first rigid portion 32 a is slotted forinsertion of the shaving brush 22. The second rigid portion 32 bcontains an aperture 36 to allow the brush 22 to hang freely whensecured in the holder 30. The third portion 32 c is solid, to impartweight to the base of the holder 30. When the shaving brush holder 30 iscollapsed for storage, it can be inserted into a slot 25 b found in theaccessories panel 25 b.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the cylindrical leak-proof container forshaving soap or cream 40 is shown. The container 40 has a threaded lid46 which results in leak-poof storage of shaving cream. The bottomplanar surface has a threaded opening 44, allowing the container to beaffixed to the bottom surface of the case housing via the threadedfinger 42 in the center bottom housing. The container, in its preferredembodiment, is constructed from high-strength molded plastic, aluminum,or other light, strong material. Though the threaded finger 42 is thepreferred embodiment, it would be apparent to one skilled in the art, aswell as within the scope of the present disclosure as limited only bythe claims, that a the present container can easily be modified to use ahook-loop fastener, clip, strap, formed substrate, or other means tosecure the container within the case.

Referring now to FIG. 5 a and FIG. 5 b, an aftershave container 50 is aflexible, transparent plastic tubular device with leak-proof cap 52,resulting in release of cream from container 50 when squeezed. FIG. 6a-6 b shows a cologne container 60 constructed from plastic or glass,and is a rigid transparent container with leak-proof, threaded cap 62.

Referring now to FIG. 7 a and FIG. 7 b, an alternative embodiment of aprotective case 10 is shown in which the tubular container 70 andcontainer base 72 replace the harness 28 and harness base 29,respectively, from FIG. 1 b. The tubular container 70 is a substantiallyenclosed linearly elongated cylinder depending from a container base 72,which is affixed to the internal wall of either the rigid upper case lid12 or the rigid lower case housing 14. The items to be stored within thetubular container 70 is placed slidably within or, via pressure, ispressed into the tubular container 70.

Referring now to FIG. 8 a and FIG. 8 b, a toiletry case 80 customizedfor use with the protective case 10 is shown. The toiletry case 80 isdome shaped perimeter and includes a central zipper 82 and a pluralityof side zippers 84, which permit a user to access the internal confinesof the toiletry case 80. As best seen in FIG. 8 b, the toiletry case 80includes a protective case slot 86 formed by a pair of oppositelyaligned side walls 88 and 90, and another pair of oppositely alignedside walls, so that the four side walls perpendicularly depend from oneanother to form the storage slot 86.

Referring now to FIG. 9, another alternative embodiment of a toiletrycase 90 customized for use with the protective case 10 is shown. Thetoiletry case 90 includes a storage slot 86, similar to the storage slotof FIG. 8 a and FIG. 8 b, formed by four side walls perpendicularlydepending from one another within the internal confines of the toiletrycase 90.

Referring now to FIG. 10 a and FIG. 10 b, an alternative embodiment ofthe protective case 100 is shown. The protective case 100 includes acentral storage area 102 formed by the internal wall of the case bottom104 and the cover 106. The cover 106, via a closure means 108 (shownhere as a zipper), is secured to the case top 110 to form the storagearea 102. Along the case top 110, a plurality of closure means 112 areincluded to provide access to retention pockets 114 positioned along thelateral internal perimeter of the protective case 100. The cover 106includes a plurality of closure means 116 to provide access to retentionpockets 118. The cover 106 also includes a looped handle 120 so as toprovide a means for transporting or hanging the protective case 100. Theprotective case 100 further includes a removable pouch 122 capable ofstoring accessories or other items.

Referring now to FIG. 11 a through FIG. 11 d, another alternateembodiment of the protective case 10 is shown. The protective case 10includes a rigid upper case housing 12 and a lower case housing 14hingedly affixed to the rigid upper case housing 12. The protective case10 further includes a removable tray 152. The tray 152 is secured to thelower case housing 14 through an interference fit, wherein an aperture154 is firmly pressed onto an appropriately shaped cleat 156. Theaperture 154 is formed in a bottom surface of the tray 152. The cleat156 is formed along the interior surface of the lower case housing 14.The aperture 154 and the corresponding cleat 156 may assume a variety ofshapes or styles, including the ones depicted in FIG. 11 a through FIG.11 c, such as a rounded cleat 158 (FIG. 11 a), a triangular cleat 160(FIG. 11 b) or a rectangular cleat 162 (FIG. 11 c). The tray 152includes a plurality of recesses 164 to receive and securely holdvarious sized and shaped shaving items, such as but not limited to arecess for a razor, a separate recess for a container of shaving soap orcream, and a recess for a shaving brush. When the shaving items areplaced into the respective recesses 164, the rigid upper case housing 12is downwardly pivoted onto the lower case housing 14, wherein theinterior portion of the rigid upper case housing 12 presses against thestored items and impinges any internal movement of the items, therebysecurely storing the items during transportation.

2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theuser opens the protective case 10 and removes the shaving brush 22 andmechanical brush holder 30, and sets the brush 22 into the holder 30.The user also removes safety razors 20 and shaving cream 40. The userthen proceeds to shave as normal. Afterwards, the brush 22 is rinsed andinserted into mechanical holder 30 to dry. Upon re-packing, the userinserts the safety razors 20 and brush 22 into the harnesses 28, andscrews the shaving cream container 40 in place in the center of the kit.The user then replaces the mechanical shaving brush holder 30 into theretention pouch 25 b, and places all accessories into the zippered orclasped accessories container. The user closes the shaving creamcontainer 40 until the upper and lower sections lock into place, andpacks the kit into a toiletry or luggage case.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. By ways of example, and not as a limitation, one suchmodification is shown in FIG. 7 a-7 b, in which a rigid plastic brushretention means 70 are shown for retention of the brush 22, and rigidplastic razor retention means 72 for retention of the safety razors 20such as to be an alternative to the individual retention clips 28 for apair of safety razors 20 and a shaving brush 22, constructed fromleather straps, mounted inside an elevated leather base 29, withexpandability through hook-loop fastener device, or plastic, vulcanizedrubber, or other semi-rigid, non-scratch retention clips.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical application, to therebyenable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention andvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated, some of which are shown and described inFIG. 8 a through FIG. 10 b. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be defined by the claims appended hereto and theirequivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be limited onlyby the following claims.

1. A portable shaving kit with a protective case specifically adaptedfor use during travel away from home, comprising, in combination: arigid upper housing; a rigid lower housing pivotally affixed to saidrigid upper housing; a linearly elongated toothbrush holder affixed toan inner wall of said rigid upper housing, wherein said holder includesa first member coupled to a second member and forming an internalstorage cavity for storing the toothbrush; first retaining means forretaining a shaving brush, said first retaining means mounted on anintermediate portion of an inner wall of said rigid lower housing; andsecond retaining means for retaining at least one safety razor, saidsecond retaining means mounted on said intermediate portion of saidinner wall of said rigid lower housing, adjacently positioned inrelation to said first retaining means.
 2. The portable shaving kitcombination of claim 1, further comprising: a threaded finger locatedalong a center of said inner wall of said rigid lower housing; and anintegral latch device, which engages upon closure of said case andretains said case in a closed position once said upper and lowerhousings are engaged, and provides for continuous clasping pressure onceengaged.
 3. The shaving kit combination of claim 2, further comprising areceptacle having a 1 cylindrical configuration with a planar top andbottom, a threaded lid and short sidewalls, and a 1 threaded opening onsaid bottom wall.
 4. The shaving kit of claim 3, further comprising aretention pouch for accessories, said retention pouch for accessoriescomprising a flat zippered or clasped pouch, said retention pouch havingan outer slot for storage of a folding shaving brush holder.
 5. Theshaving kit of claim 4, further comprising a mechanical folding shavingbrush holder, to store said shaving brush in an upright and invertedposition after use.
 6. The shaving kit of claim 1, further comprising aseal around the interfacing edges of said upper housing and said lowerhousing.
 7. The shaving kit case of claim 1, further comprising: safetyrazors customized dimensionally for use with said case and storage intosaid second retaining means, wherein said razors have replaceable heads;and a shaving brush customized dimensionally for use with said case andstorage into said first retaining means.
 8. The portable shaving kitcombination of claim 1, wherein an overall outer dimensions of saidrigid upper housing and rigid lower housing are 9 inches across alateral front width by 5 inches along a lateral side length and therebyproviding an interior volume having a rectangular area specificallysized and proportioned to receive one or more safety razors, containerof shaving soap, shaving brush, and accessories, with adequate spacebetween articles for ease of access.
 9. The shaving kit case of claim 1,wherein said first retaining means and second retaining means include aharness and a storage strip fixedly attached at opposite ends to aharness base, thereby forming an aperture for storing shaving items, andwherein said harness base is fixedly attached to the internal wall ofsaid upper or lower housing.
 10. The shaving kit case of claim 1,wherein said first retaining means and said second retaining means aresubstantially enclosed, linearly elongated tubular container fixedlyattached to a container base, thereby forming a tubular aperture forstoring shaving items, and wherein said harness base is fixedly attachedto an internal wall of said upper or lower housing.
 11. The shaving kitcase of claim 1, further comprising a pair of grooming scissorscustomized dimensionally for use with said case, or where using acustomized storage space within said case.
 12. The shaving kit case ofclaim 1, further comprising a toiletry bag adapted for use with saidshaving kit case, wherein said toiletry bag is an intermediate storagepouch or other retaining device.
 13. A portable shaving kit with aprotective case specifically adapted for use during travel away fromhome, comprising, in combination: a rigid upper housing; a rigid lowerhousing pivotally affixed to said rigid upper housing by a hinge; firstretaining means, said first retaining means is a substantially enclosed,linearly elongated tubular container; second retaining means, saidsecond retaining means is a substantially enclosed, linearly elongatedtubular container; a threaded finger located in the center of the innerwall of said lower housing, said threaded finger having a verticallyelongated cylinder depending from said rigid lower housing; and anintegral latch device, which engages upon closure of said case andretains said case in closed position once said upper and lower housingsare engaged, and provides for continuous clasping pressure once engaged.14. A portable shaving kit with a protective case specifically adaptedfor use during travel away from home, comprising, in combination: arigid upper housing; a rigid lower housing pivotally affixed to saidrigid upper housing by a hinge; a tray, said tray comprising a pluralityof recesses for storage of shaving accessories, said tray furthercomprising an aperture formed along a bottom surface of said tray; acleat, said cleat formed along an interior surface of said lowerhousing, said cleat inserts into said aperture to provide aninterference fit between said tray and said lower housing; and anintegral latch device, which engages upon closure of said case andretains said case in closed position once said upper and lower housingsare engaged, and provides for continuous clasping pressure once engaged.15. The shaving kit of claim 14, wherein said aperture comprises arounded interior surface formed to accommodate and receive said cleat,said cleat comprising a rounded exterior surface.
 16. The shaving kit ofclaim 14, wherein said aperture comprises a triangulated interiorsurface formed to accommodate and receive said cleat, said cleatcomprising a triangulated exterior surface.
 17. The shaving kit of claim14, wherein said aperture comprises a rectangular interior surface toformed accommodate and receive said cleat, said cleat comprising arectangular exterior surface.